Western Meat Packers targets Asian markets

The Russells now have full ownership Western Meat Packers Group assets, which was established in 1983, employs 360 people and has an annual turnover of about $150 million.

WMPG chief executive officer Andrew Fuda said the investment by the founders of the business signaled an exciting stage in the beef company’s future.

The Margaret River abattoir works on a five day a week basis processing about 400 cattle a day. Significant chiller capacity upgrades and other fitouts are currently underway to accommodate developing export market prospects.

“Although we currently send all beef, typically sides and quarters, overnight to WMPG’s Osborne Park boning and packing facility to ensure rapid turnaround from paddock to plate, we’re moving towards boning and packing at our Margaret River plant to optimise expanding business opportunities in Asia in particular,” Mr Fuda said.

“A new integrated chiller and freezer unit at Margaret River will allow faster packing and freezing, minimising shrinkage while also improving yields of offals, which are becoming increasingly sought after by WMPG’s Asian export customers.

“The new fitout also meant that shifts could be expanded and processing could move to seven days, with a weekly slaughter capacity of more than 4000 head.

“Also, with chilling and freezing all under one roof and on the site where the cattle are slaughtered and processed, it’ll put us in the frame for export listings for China and Malaysia, both markets we’ve been working on for quite some time.”

Mr Fuda said the Western Meat Packers brand and reputation for quality and reliability in Asian markets had been developed and nurtured over 30 plus years by Mr Russell and the senior management team

“It gives us confidence that once equipped with the appropriate listings, we can move quickly to supply,” Mr Fuda said.